California utilities PG&E, SoCal Gas, and Southern California Edison are under pressure from lawmakers due to high rates and alleged misuse of ratepayer funds for political lobbying. A recent investigation by The Sacramento Bee highlighted SoCalGas’ $36 million spent on lobbying since 2019, funded by customers. In response, Senate Bill 24 seeks to strengthen laws against these practices, empowering penalties for violations. Lawmakers stress the importance of oversight, aiming to ensure utilities prioritize consumer interests and operate transparently.
"It's not major, but it's a shot across the bow," McNerney said in an exclusive interview. He intends it to be a message to utilities: "Listen, you guys need to start paying attention to how you're using ratepayer money."
In 2023, The Bee found SoCalGas had spent at least $36 million for political lobbying since 2019, and assigned the cost to customers rather than shareholders.
The bill would tighten up and add teeth to an existing state law that prohibits utility companies from using ratepayer money for campaigning or advertising. Utilities could be fined up to $10,000 per day per violation.
McNerney's new iteration says the ban on utilizing ratepayer funds would not apply to investor-owned utility workers represented by labor organizations.
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